8. Julius Randle, New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans were at their most dangerous once Anthony Davis moved to the 5 and Nikola Mirotic arrived to spread the floor as a stretch-4. That means Julius Randle could have a hard time enjoying a breakout season from a statistical standpoint.
Because he can’t shoot, Randle would be best-utilized coming off the bench, either as a small-ball 5 or playing alongside AD at the 4 in limited spurts. Either way, it’ll be hard for him to extend his numbers past the 16.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game he averaged last year.
However, Randle will have a significant impact on a winning team for the first time in his career, punching opponents in the jaw when one of Mirotic or Davis needs a break. The team’s up-tempo offense is a perfect fit for a bully off the bounce like Randle, who can use his quickness and strength to rack up easy points at the rim. This Sixth Man of the Year candidate might not post career-high numbers, but he should still enjoy his most impressive season yet.